![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/sac-news-events\/files\/2021\/05\/Dice-talk-2021.jpg\" "\\"Rona")
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Dr Meijaard started by describing the complexities of conservation science using a clever comparison to the common saying, \u2018It\u2019s not rocket science\u2019. In the past, the concept of space travel and rocket science was seen as an immense, unsolvable notion, whereas today, while still complex, the processes of rocket science have very few uncertainties, high success rates and follow a predictable mechanism within a defined system. In contrast, Dr Meijaard described conservation as \u2018an entirely different beast\u2019. The problems that need addressing in conservation hold high levels of uncertainty, where minor changes at one point in the system can have significant impacts elsewhere. Moreover, the boundaries of the system are not clearly defined; are we addressing the conservation of a species in isolation? In the context of the surrounding habitat? Including the needs and requirements of the local communities also active in this space? Or even more broadly within the view of global conservation mechanisms and processes? As such, he states that in most situations the success rate for conservation action is low or unknown.<\/p>\n
Dr Meijaard went on to compare his approaches to conservation through the lens of a conservation scientist, to that of Roy Dennis, a much more hands-on conservationist with a strong understanding and appreciation for natural history. From the perspective of Roy Dennis, \u2018science is evoked to stop conservation action\u2019, meaning that the requirements of scientists to fully understand all aspects of an issue prior to implementation can delay essential conservation intervention. Dr Meijaard accepted that there are some situations when this has been the case, such as the delay of reintroducing beavers due to concerns they may deplete salmon stocks or cause widespread flooding. However, he also went on to provide an example where the \u2018armchair scientist\u2019 significantly benefited conservation.<\/p>\n
Through his work in Indonesia, Dr Meijaard was involved in the rediscovery of the Tapanuli Orangutan in the upland Batang Toru Ecosystem in Sumatra. This species is the most highly threatened great ape, with fewer than 800 individuals remaining. In recent years, a project was proposed to create a dam through the middle of this region that would effectively split the remaining population into two. Through the analysis of historical records from the late 1800s, it was evident that this species currently resides in just 2.5% of its previous range, and has found a refuge from hunting and habitat fragmentation in this mountainous region. This understanding of the conservation science surrounding this project has dissuaded a number of international funders. Those involved continue to fight an ongoing battle to make the project more compatible with conservation aims.<\/p>\n
Dr Meijaard concluded that there are no silver bullets in conservation, and that in most situations the simple answer is often the wrong one, and as such conservation scientists must provide important analysis to inform the complex debates between field conservation organisations and other parties.<\/p>\n
Watch here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Isobel Jones is studying for an MSc in Conservation Biology\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"